All about Kazakhstan. Experts: Julia, walkingalmaty
Car rental Astana
by
Duncan Wilson »
Mon Jul 07, 2025 1:14 pm
Hi,
Can anybody recommend a reliable company that rents self-drive cars in Astana that can be driven outside the city? I've heard less than positive...
0 Replies
26 Views
Last post by Duncan Wilson
Mon Jul 07, 2025 1:14 pm
Camping in Kolsai/Kaindy/Charyn Canyon
by
Arcano9 »
Sat Jul 05, 2025 3:43 pm
Hi, I am planning to camp both in the Charyn and somewhere near the lakes now in July. Did you have any recent experiences to share? How difficult...
0 Replies
52 Views
Last post by Arcano9
Sat Jul 05, 2025 3:43 pm
Beaches in Aktau
by
danracca »
Tue Jun 24, 2025 3:43 pm
Since I'm going all the way from Astana to Aktau to visit the Mangystau area, I was wondering if it's worth to add a couple of days to just chill on...
0 Replies
204 Views
Last post by danracca
Tue Jun 24, 2025 3:43 pm
Kazakhstan Altai border permit Q&A
Replies: 27
by
Marta »
Wed Jul 20, 2016 10:37 am
First post
Hey guys,
I need an advice. I would like to go to the Kazakh Altai for which visit I think I need a permit. Where can I get this permit? Do you know...
Last post
Just the seasonal update about this - in conversation with a few local operators, we submitted information for our permits. I was the only non-CIS...
27 Replies
20678 Views
Last post by EvanMHill
Fri Jun 20, 2025 5:26 pm
Mangystau car rental recommendations
Replies: 8
by
Levante »
Tue Jan 16, 2024 8:06 am
First post
Hi, does anyone know a company who rent 4x4 from Aktau to reach Mangystau?
Thanks
Last post
Hello,
We have travelled Mangystau in the past 10 days and and we rented a car in Aktau. After a long search we found the following website: with...
8 Replies
5342 Views
Last post by LChrigu
Wed Jun 18, 2025 10:03 am
Polygon Semipalatinsk Test Site and Museum: open or not?
Replies: 49
by
steven »
Sat May 25, 2019 7:03 am
First post
Just got a message: the Polygon and the museum will be closed for the whole summer due to maintenance works :-( :-( :-(
Last post
Hello all,
OK, I have a quote - one day tour leaving from Semey and returning to Semey on the 15 or 16 with Nomadic Tours. Here is what it covers:...
49 Replies
28661 Views
Last post by Arcano9
Tue Jun 17, 2025 11:17 am
Gyms in Almaty or Astana
Replies: 6
by
bamur »
Wed Mar 18, 2015 9:11 pm
First post
Hello,
I would like any recommendations for gyms in Almaty or Astana. I prefer to go running outside, but can just go to the gym if that is a...
Last post
@Eric I tried to find the group in facebook but I can't, I'm going to be in Astana later this week and I'm looking for a crossfit location. Thanks
6 Replies
4057 Views
Last post by Elaine
Mon Jun 16, 2025 8:13 pm
Altai region tips
by
comito »
Mon Jun 16, 2025 2:36 am
Hi, ;)
My girlfriend and I are going to Kazakhstan region starting Tuesday 17 June 2025.
We have looked into guesthouses but questions remain about...
0 Replies
186 Views
Last post by comito
Mon Jun 16, 2025 2:36 am
Problems on how to pay the toll road and consequences
Replies: 16
by
Joramun »
Wed Jun 19, 2024 3:57 am
First post
Hey 👋🏼
I am currently traveling through Kazakhstan and will arrive in Almaty soon.
On my way I used the toll road between shymkent and Taraz....
Last post
@ Gman69: Thank you very much for your writing that solution. This is really very easy.
I checked now my balance - I still have 3130 Tenge plus at...
16 Replies
8981 Views
Last post by Lagerfeld
Fri Jun 13, 2025 11:51 am
Car insurance in Kazakhstan
Replies: 5
by
Mirmiru »
Sat Jun 15, 2019 10:12 am
First post
In June 2018, I could buy a car insurance on the border between Kyrgyzstan (Chon-Kapka) and Kazakhstan (Aisha-Bibi) at the office of Centras...
Last post
Hello there!
As we crossed the border from Russia very latex we could not find an insurance to buy there. We bought in Atyrau, directly in the...
5 Replies
7068 Views
Last post by Inaina.marina
Thu Jun 12, 2025 8:08 am
Atyrau - Astrakhan cash question
Replies: 8
by
mikeincairns »
Thu Mar 06, 2025 12:36 am
First post
Hi all - sorry for the basic question. I did search but could not find any up-to-date info.
Will be doing the Atyrau - Astrakhan crossing in April...
Last post
Thank you very much.
But I'm planning to go with my motor home from Germany --> PL --> BY --> RUS --> KZ - all together 6000 km, I'll need around 800...
8 Replies
1867 Views
Last post by mikeincairns
Wed Jun 11, 2025 11:36 am
From Zharkent to Almaty
Replies: 5
by
cztt346 »
Tue Sep 17, 2019 2:29 pm
First post
As far as I know, there is an international coach bus from Huoerguosi (Horgos) (in China) to Zharkent, then is there a bus travels from Zharkent to...
Last post
Our recent experience:
The manager at our hotel in Zharkent said there was no bus, maybe because it was Sunday and also Eid ul-Adha tho?
She called...
5 Replies
3415 Views
Last post by carlnaus
Mon Jun 09, 2025 6:27 am
Longterm parking in Kazakhstan
Replies: 20
by
campingoncloudnine »
Sun Oct 28, 2018 4:14 pm
First post
Hello,
My girlfriend and I want to leave our car in Kazakhstan for a few months and travel to Southeast Asia.
Does anyone have experience with...
Last post
Hello everyone,
we are travelling towards Almaty/Bishkek in the mid of June and are looking for a safe parking for some months. Does anyone have a...
20 Replies
13554 Views
Last post by Cveticvet
Thu May 29, 2025 10:56 am
Oskemen, Katon-Karagai and Kazakh Altai
Replies: 5
by
benjaminroux »
Sun Jul 07, 2024 3:06 am
First post
I recently spent several days in the Kazakh Altai, and as informations are very difficult to find for this region, here is my feedback and a small...
Last post
I was about to ask the same about permits. From what I've read, it's a week minimum (even if you speed up the process) to have the permit approved....
5 Replies
3750 Views
Last post by Andrea D.
Wed May 21, 2025 12:31 pm
Lake Markakol lodging
Replies: 3
by
Andrea D. »
Sat May 17, 2025 11:33 am
First post
We're planning on spending one night on Lake Markakol, and we're trying to find where to stay. So far, I've seen on the internet there's a camping...
Last post
Thank you both!
3 Replies
488 Views
Last post by Andrea D.
Tue May 20, 2025 1:29 pm
By car (4WD) from Bartogay to Saty
Replies: 9
by
Borek »
Sun Mar 31, 2019 3:50 pm
First post
Hi to all, I am going to Almaty next wednesday and I can't find route from Bartogay Lake to Saty. I will visit Charyn , than I want go to Bartogay...
Last post
yes no snow yet
9 Replies
5043 Views
Last post by steven
Mon May 19, 2025 6:54 am
Tekes / Shalkodesu Valle / Tuzkol Lake / Narynkol
Replies: 1
by
Mosley93 »
Tue May 13, 2025 5:42 pm
First post
Hello,
I’m planning to spend 2-3 days in this area next September. The scenery looks beautiful—it's quite different from what we have in Canada, and...
Last post
There isn't much there - don't expect yurts or hotels or horses easily available. Grab your tent and explore by yourself is the best option....
1 Replies
512 Views
Last post by steven
Thu May 15, 2025 5:55 am
Charyn Canyon from Zharkent
by
Mab1011 »
Wed May 14, 2025 8:27 am
Hi,
I will be crossing the border from China at Khorgos and want to head on to Almaty. However, since Charyn Canyon is so close to Zharkent I was...
0 Replies
458 Views
Last post by Mab1011
Wed May 14, 2025 8:27 am
4 Replies
1418 Views
Last post by OWNER
Fri May 09, 2025 4:50 am
Transport cards. Where to buy?
Replies: 9
by
adi »
Tue Apr 09, 2024 9:51 am
First post
I just spent a few days in Astana where the bus system ticketing system ha gone completely digital. Same applies to Almaty.
Locals mainly use payment...
Last post
The Onay website and app don't have Astana as an option. I guess I'll try to use it when I get to Almaty.
I believe Onay is only for Almaty. Not...
9 Replies
9532 Views
Last post by mikeincairns
Thu May 08, 2025 5:59 pm
Priozersk tunnels
Replies: 2
by
Red Rex »
Mon Apr 28, 2025 9:01 am
First post
Hi everyone,
I've been planning to go to Priozersk for a while - the other day a friend of mine who's been said he met a Kazakh guy who told him...
Last post
hi, sounds epic, on the west of town is an army depot storage site I see on google satellite can you check if this is operational or you can wonder...
2 Replies
1101 Views
Last post by Koen
Tue May 06, 2025 9:17 am
Visit to Baikonur
Replies: 19
by
Vivien1939 »
Thu Jan 19, 2017 3:50 pm
First post
Hello, we are a couple from Poland and we will be travelling in Kazakhstan in May 2017. We would like to plan 1-2 days in Baikonur. We are interested...
Last post
Hi,
Is a special permit for an individual visitor still obtainable in 2025?
I also see conflicting information on whether a Russian visa is required,...
19 Replies
11936 Views
Last post by daviescapucine
Wed Apr 30, 2025 8:14 pm
Mangistau trains station yo Aktau airport
Replies: 2
by
fossafirenze »
Thu Apr 10, 2025 4:29 am
First post
Hi everyone, does anyone know if there is a bus service from Mangistau train station to Aktau airport? Regards
Last post
If you can, I would suggest a Yandex taxi rather than negotiating with a taxi driver.
2 Replies
1102 Views
Last post by tcol108
Fri Apr 11, 2025 12:42 pm
Priozersk (how?)
Replies: 10
by
louislk »
Thu Jun 02, 2016 2:35 pm
First post
Hi there,
I'm now in Kz going arround and I'd like to go in the south of the city Priozersk, south of Sari-shagan, west of Balkash. I don't find...
Last post
Hi, I am going to Priozersk on 19 July, coming by train from the north (Astana, Karaganda). If someone wants to join me, let me know.
10 Replies
7102 Views
Last post by Arcano9
Mon Mar 31, 2025 8:58 am
Big Almaty lake: camping / campsite?
Replies: 3
by
Anusiak »
Mon May 23, 2016 7:51 pm
First post
Hi,
I would like to know if I can set up a tent on meadow, next to Big Almaty Lake? On the Internet I have read completely different opinions about...
Last post
Have you looked at this forum post?
3 Replies
4655 Views
Last post by tcol108
Sun Mar 30, 2025 11:01 am
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